Abstract

Views on male circumcision are often based on personal opinion rather than on scientific evidence. The stated reasons normally given for circumcision are hygiene, therapy for phimosis or paraphimosis, reduction in the incidence of penile, prostatic and cervical carcinoma, improved sexual function and religious beliefs. Those against circumcision consider that such reasons are insufficient or unproved, that the operation is an unwarranted mutilation and may cause psychological disturbances, and that there are definite surgical risks.